Mental illness is becoming a big impairment for many Canadians today. Statistics show that “20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.” (Public Health Agency of Canada). Even if you’re not personally affected, it is said that “all Canadians are likely to be affected through a mental illness in a family member, friend, or colleague.” (Public Health Agency of Canada). No one is immune to mental illness, so it has an impact on “people of all ages, education and income levels, and cultures.” (Fast Facts about Mental Illness). Although it can begin at any age, mental illness is known to start at adolescence, which is a problem considering this is when school and work are starting to become important. There
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School is one of the first places where mental disorders start showing (Shields 42). The “mental difficulties can be mistaken as attitude and motivational problems” (43). Children with depression can be seen as lazy and difficult, which will lead to them being punished. This is one of the reasons students will keep their problems a secret or avoid getting help. For children with a mental illness, going to school can be the hardest thing for them to do, because they have a fear of being judged or left out. The problem is that it is actually beneficial for the students to continue going to school, since “children and youth with mental illness who stay in school live healthier physical, social, and emotional lives” (Capital District Health Authority). Symptoms of a child developing a mental illness are often easy to identify early, but “they may conceal their troubles to avoid being teased or judged” (45). Sadly, “students would rather suffer than be known as weird” (45). Signs to search for when looking for a developing mental illness in a student are constant negative feelings, overreaction to little problems, major changes in behaviour, or antisocial behaviour which can also lead to them causing trouble. At school, some struggles they will face are a “fear of approaching teachers, difficulty concentrating, trouble having energy all day, problems managing time and deadlines, limited tolerance to noise and large groups, and extreme reactions to negative feedback” (Capital District Health Authority). Similarly, work is an important part of shaping someone’s identity, as it helps people obtain income and skills to help in other areas of their life. The symptoms of a mental illness is “more likely to come up during times of uncertainty and stress” (Canadian Mental Health Association). The pressure of work and anything else happening
School is one of the first places where mental disorders start showing (Shields 42). The “mental difficulties can be mistaken as attitude and motivational problems” (43). Children with depression can be seen as lazy and difficult, which will lead to them being punished. This is one of the reasons students will keep their problems a secret or avoid getting help. For children with a mental illness, going to school can be the hardest thing for them to do, because they have a fear of being judged or left out. The problem is that it is actually beneficial for the students to continue going to school, since “children and youth with mental illness who stay in school live healthier physical, social, and emotional lives” (Capital District Health Authority). Symptoms of a child developing a mental illness are often easy to identify early, but “they may conceal their troubles to avoid being teased or judged” (45). Sadly, “students would rather suffer than be known as weird” (45). Signs to search for when looking for a developing mental illness in a student are constant negative feelings, overreaction to little problems, major changes in behaviour, or antisocial behaviour which can also lead to them causing trouble. At school, some struggles they will face are a “fear of approaching teachers, difficulty concentrating, trouble having energy all day, problems managing time and deadlines, limited tolerance to noise and large groups, and extreme reactions to negative feedback” (Capital District Health Authority). Similarly, work is an important part of shaping someone’s identity, as it helps people obtain income and skills to help in other areas of their life. The symptoms of a mental illness is “more likely to come up during times of uncertainty and stress” (Canadian Mental Health Association). The pressure of work and anything else happening